Jet Fuel Crisis to Hit Europe in Coming Weeks

Industry representatives warned the crisis could hit Europe within three weeks, stressing that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains key as European leaders scramble for a response. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Planes operated by German airline Lufthansa sit on the tarmac at Frankfurt Airport in Frankfurt am Main, on April 10, 2026 as cabin crews went on strike over an ongoing labour dispute. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Europe’s aviation industry has warned that a jet fuel crisis looms over the continent as the Strait of Hormuz remains under blockade. The strait, which once served as the artery for international oil trade, has been under Iranian blockade since the US/Israeli war in Iran started on Feb. 28. Recent ceasefires reopened the strait temporarily before it was closed once more after Tehran accused Israel of violations in hitting Lebanon. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The Financial Times (FT) on Friday reported that ACI Europe, which represents EU airports, has sent a letter to the bloc’s transport commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas warning of a “systemic jet fuel shortage” if the strait is not reopened within three weeks. “If the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU,” the letter says, according to the FT. The outlet said the Strait of Hormuz accounts for 40% of the global jet fuel supply. The letter says the concerns were fueled by increased flights during the summer travel season and calls for “proactive EU monitoring and action,” the FT said. “There is for now no EU-wide mapping/assessment and monitoring of jet fuel production and availability,” the letter says. “A supply crunch would severely disrupt airport operations and air connectivity, with the risk of harsh economic impacts for the communities affected and for Europe in case of a systemic shortage of jet fuel,” it adds. Other Topics of Interest Zelensky Says Ukrainian Experts Helped Counter Iranian Drones in Middle East President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukrainian specialists assisted several countries in strengthening air defenses and intercepting Iranian-made drones. Citing multiple European airlines, the FT said most have reserves but future deliveries remain uncertain as the war in Iran and Hormuz blockade drags on. It said four Italian airports began restricting jet fuel last week “after disruption at a key supplier.” US President Donald Trump has requested that NATO members help reopen the strait, a demand rebuffed by most allies , who sought their own solutions to reopen it. On April 1, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hinted at ongoing work with European allies to assess options to reopen the strait, though it is unclear how far the assessment has progressed. On Friday, April 10, Starmer said he discussed the options – both military and diplomatic – during a call with Trump but did not elaborate on the details, according to Reuters. Europe has thus far ruled out easing sanctions on Russian oil despite the crisis, though a source within Kyiv’s intelligence agencies recently told Kyiv Post that Moscow is l ikely to leverage the Iran situation by instigating an energy crisis in Europe to bargain for sanctions relief. Leo Chiu is a journalist and editor based in Eastern Europe since 2015. He has witnessed two presidential elections in Belarus and traveled widely to conflict zones and contested regions, producing reporting that bridges the gap between major developments and local realities.